Our planet and nature are filled with fascinating species and remarkable animals. It is truly amazing to see how different organisms interact with each other and adapt to their environment to survive and maintain balance within their ecosystem.
So when I came across photos of three ‘angry snakes’ lurking in a tree, I was naturally curious. And I’m definitely not the only one who was fooled by these incredible photos.
Seeing one snake in a tree can be scary enough, but three clustered together can strike fear into anyone’s heart. But fortunately, they are not actually snakes in the striking images – it’s something entirely different…
There is a huge biodiversity in nature, with millions of different species found all over the world. Each species has its unique role and function within its ecosystem.
In addition, there are also incredible adaptations and survival strategies that many animals and plants have developed over the years. For example, some insects have camouflage colors to blend in with their surroundings and avoid predators, while others have developed toxins for protection against enemies.
This fact was further highlighted when photos of three angry looking “snakes” began circulating on the internet. In 2021, a photo shared by Rob Allam on Twitter left users baffled as seemingly three angry looking “snakes” were visible hiding in a tree. However, it didn’t take long for users to realize that there was more to it than initially met the eye.
It turns out that the trio of “snakes” is nothing more than an optical illusion created by a part of the wings belonging to two atlas moths.
This remarkable butterfly species, originating from the forests of Asia, has the unique ability to mimic the appearance of a snake. With an impressive wingspan of up to 24 cm and a wing surface of about 160 cm2, the atlas moth is one of the largest Lepidoptera species.
The body of the atlas moth is noticeably smaller in proportion to its wings, creating a striking contrast in size. The creature was first observed by Carl Linnaeus in 1758 and is known as one of the largest insects on earth. The name is derived from Atlas, the giant from Greek mythology, due to its considerable size.
When Twitter user Rob shared the viral photo, he also provided an explanation:
“Attacus Atlas is one of the largest butterflies in the world, and during its adult stage, it only lives for a short period of two weeks. The primary purpose during this phase is to lay eggs and protect them until they hatch, while camouflaging themselves as a snake,” he wrote.
Many people on social media initially struggled to believe that the creature in question was indeed a butterfly.
“That disguise is really good,” one user wrote.
Another user expressed surprise by saying, “Why isn’t the top one a real snake? This butterfly would live longer if it didn’t look like I wanted to hit it with a broom.”
Contrary to what one might think, atlas moths are actually weak and unsteady flyers. To conserve their energy, these moths prefer to rest during the day and become active fliers at night.
When the atlas moth feels threatened, it uses a defense mechanism by descending to the ground and making a twisting motion while intentionally flapping its wings to mimic the appearance of a snake’s head, according to the National History Museum.
To witness the awesome presence of the atlas moth firsthand, one would likely have to visit the tropical forests of Asia. However, there are also documented sightings of atlas moths in certain regions of Europe and the United States.
In 2012, the BBC reported an intriguing incident when a giant atlas moth was spotted on a windowsill in Ramsbottom, Greater Manchester. The moth was so large that the family who made the discovery initially mistook it for a bat. It is believed that the unique creature had likely escaped from a private collection. Unfortunately, it died shortly after being found.
In a truly memorable event, another specimen of an atlas moth was captured on camera in Bellevue, Washington in July 2022. This was an extraordinary occasion as it was the very first documented instance of this species being observed in the United States. In 2022, another one was also found in Sweden.
“This is a type of insect with wow-factor, because of its size,” said Sven Spichiger, the lead entomologist of the state Department of Agriculture to NBC News.
He added: “Even if you’re not looking for insects, this is the type that people pull out their phone to take a picture of – that’s how striking they are.”
If I were to encounter this extraordinary creature, I would likely be filled with awe and amazement. My immediate instinct would be to grab my camera and capture the moment, wanting to preserve it as a memorable experience. However, if I were to notice it starting to mimic a snake head, I would keep a safe distance…
It would be great if you shared this article on Facebook so more people can learn about this giant and impressive nocturnal butterfly. Its remarkable features and rare occurrence outside its natural habitat are truly worth highlighting and appreciating!
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